Deuteronomy 31:23
And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.
Deuteronomy 31:23
God commissions Joshua through Moses: Be strong and courageous because you will lead Israel into the land promised to their ancestors. The divine promise “I will be with you” echoes the continuous thread of God’s presence. Joshua’s leadership arrives amid a transitional moment: Moses’s leadership ends, and a new era begins. The instruction to be strong and courageous is not a call to self-reliance but to trust in God’s enabling presence as they face formidable enemies, fortified cities, and internal challenges.
The verse crystallizes a central biblical motif: leadership under divine accompaniment. God’s presence is the source of courage, not human grit. This assurance links to Jesus’ later promises of presence with his disciples (e.g., Matthew 28:20). It also highlights God’s faithfulness to fulfill His covenant—the land is theirs, not by might alone, but by God’s sworn promise and presence.
When stepping into new roles—whether at work, in ministry, or family leadership—you can adopt Joshua’s stance: be strong in the Lord, not in your own strength. Practical steps: begin with prayerful commissioning, acknowledge fears, and set concrete, doable milestones. Let God’s presence be your confidence: pray through decisions, invite accountability, and celebrate small victories as evidence of divine accompaniment. Remember that courage grows as you rely on God’s promises and seek His guidance in the everyday grind.
Cross-References: Joshua 1:6-9; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 27:14; Hebrews 13:5-6; 2 Timothy 1:7.